[Dramatic Changes in the Japanese-English Bilingual Labor Market in the US] 4. Business Attraction Policies of U.S. States
In 2023, I participated in the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association meeting held in Tokyo from October 12th to 13th. This annual event held alternately between Japan and the U.S. is a regional subcommittee of the U.S.-Japan Business Council. Year 2023 was its 45th iteration. In addition to the Southeast Association, there is also the Midwest U.S. -Japan Association, which is now in its 54th year.
The Southeast U.S.-Japan Association aims to foster mutual exchanges between Japan and the seven southeastern U.S. states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi). The primary goals of these states are to increase international trade and attract Japanese businesses. The activities of U.S. state governments differ significantly from those of Japanese prefectures. For instance, Georgia maintains offices in 12 countries and regions outside the U.S. (Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Ireland). According to the Georgia state government, there are 4,400 foreign-affiliated companies in the state, employing over 258,000 people. This trend is similar in other southeastern states, where competition and cooperation among states are ongoing.
Interestingly, while the Japanese side prioritizes the advancement of high-tech industries and investments toward them, the southeastern states prioritize employment growth within their states. Employment they seek encompasses various industries, occupations, and levels. A business attraction officer from Georgia mentioned that, in addition to offering various incentives for incoming businesses, they collaborate with local high schools to implement workforce development and skill training programs for potential employees once a factory’s establishment is nearly confirmed. Seasoned business attraction officers often have over 15 years of experience in their respective departments, making them valuable assets to the state.
Japan’s regional revitalization efforts are led by the central government rather than prefectural governments, potentially lacking the key components that make U.S. business attraction efforts successful. It is crucial for Japanese prefectures to become self-sufficient and seek out opportunities proactively, instead of waiting for the central government to provide support, akin to chicks waiting to be fed by the mother bird.
Written by Masato Fujihara, President
Interesse International Group
Came to New York as an expatriate for an HR company in January 1994. Became independent in 1996 and started own business in defiance of return-to-Japan order by the company. Currently, Interesse International Group has 11 locations in the United States and established a Japanese subsidiary in 2022. With 30 years of knowledge and experience in the HR industry, Interesse International Group delivers practical information to clients.
